Bucket of Bolts

My husband sketched this picture in high school. Lately, I wonder if it was a prophetic portrait of his wife-to-be because I’m feeling like a bucket of bolts—rustier, slower, and dented. I have an appointment this week for what may be a frozen shoulder, one next week for eye surgery, and last night I bit an almond and broke my tooth!

I thought of Rich’s high school art project and recalled the many challenges we had to keep our cars on the road. In a few days, we’ll have a recent dent repaired—cosmetic, easy. But we have a history of failed batteries, faulty wiring, flat tires, and the worst—dead transmissions. My aging body relates.

What if we brought our car back to the manufacturer and was told it was worn out, but we can have a new model with all the bells and whistles—solar powered, heated seats and steering wheel, state-of-the-art GPS system, back up warnings, 12-way power seats, tinted sunroof, stereophonic music, luxury leather interior, a scratch resistant exterior, and the smoothest ride you can imagine, all with an unlimited, lifetime warranty. Oh, and it’s free.

That’s the very offer the Holy Spirit dropped into my heart. I’ve seen a lot of miles and my body is reflecting its years. Of course it is—it has a built in expiration date known only to its Maker. But I know what’s ahead! A brand-new model “with all the bells and whistles.” Strength that doesn’t lag, agility that scales mountains, eyes that see clear and far, ears that overhear angels whisper without needing to ask, “What did they say?” Insights that are clear and don’t fade, understanding that grasps marvels, the ability to perceive intricate details, intellect that amazes, and reasoning that comprehends thoughts that are currently too wonderful for me.

A life freely given, an eternal existence, forever strong, productively fruitful, awed by new wonders every day—this is my full expectation. In the meantime, I’ll care for my bucket of bolts with an eye to the future as I “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits” Psalm 103:2 (NKJ).